THE FORGETTING

After receiving a heart transplant, 17-year-old Georgie finds that the rhythm of her heartbeat is not the only thing that is different.

Following the surgery, Georgie’s memories begin to disappear, replaced by other memories that are not her own. At first the memories are of eating strawberries and falling in love, but they quickly darken. In order to find the identity of the girl whose heart she carries around inside her and the circumstances of her death, Georgie must step away from her life of privilege and walk in Jane Doe’s shoes. The memories draw Georgie into a dangerous world filled with drugs, violence and sexual exploitation. But they also lead her to Nate, someone trying to make a difference and someone Georgie might be able to love. Inspired by FAIR Girls, an organization dedicated to stopping sex trafficking, this story is a powerful call to action. Yet even with its obvious motivation, it is never preachy. Strong characters, a well-developed mystery and a budding romance all come together to make this a story worth reading. Admirably and appropriately, Maggi refuses to shy away from what Georgie uncovers, including drug use and graphic scenes of sexual violence against children.

Dark reality for sturdy readers.